The USA is one of the most breathtaking and fascinating countries in the world. From coast to coast, its diverse landscape offers something for everyone. From beautiful beaches to majestic mountains, the United States is a fabulous country for the solo traveler to enjoy and explore.
Here are the 11 best places in the USA for Solo Travelers.
Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is a breathtaking island and by far one of the absolute best places to go for solo travel. There is so much to see, do and experience. Stay in Honolulu where you have the beautiful Waikiki beach, amazing world-class dining, and a plethora of shopping choices. There is a great trolley that runs on the pink line that will take you all around Waikiki for $2. The open-air trolley enables you to enjoy the warm Hawaiian breeze while seeing some pretty incredible places. It makes frequent stops which practically allows you to get off whenever you want.
Some of the best snorkeling can be found at Hanauma Bay. The water is very shallow, there is an abundance of colorful fish, and the beaches are sandy white.
Diamond Head offers a nice 1.8 mile hike and incredible 360 degree views of the island.
No trip to Oahu is complete without going to Lanikai Beach. It is off the beaten path and hidden behind residential homes. Once you see it, you will agree that it’s one of the most beautiful beaches you ever laid eyes on. The white sand beach and the turquoise waters are simply mesmerizing.
Be sure to drive down to the North Shore. Known for its big waves, surfing competitions, and legendary beaches, the laid-back lifestyle, is evident throughout the area.
Denali National Park and Reserve, Alaska
If you love the great outdoors, Denali National Park is the place for you. Located about 120 miles from Fairbanks, Denali is an absolutely amazing and beautiful destination for the solo traveler. Its breathtaking views and incredible wildlife are all-encompassing. Home to America’s tallest peak, the views are absolutely stunning.
With over 6 million acres of unparalleled beauty, there is so much to see and do. Hop on one of the all-day park bus tours for magnificent scenery that you won’t find on your own. There are also some fabulous hiking trails, such as Horseshoe Lake Trail or the Mt. Healy Overlook.
Be sure to meet the adorable sled dogs while you are there. The kennels are about 3 miles inside the park.
Havasu Falls, Arizona
Located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls is pure grandeur. These breathtaking blue-green waterfalls are simply majestic.
Getting to the falls is no easy feat and much planning is required. The falls are located on Havasupai Indian Reservation and require a permit. It is a very strenuous hike and you must stay overnight at the lodge or campground.
This trip requires a lot of research and planning as you need to bring your own camping gear and food.
For more information, please see https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/havasupai.htm
Charleston, SC
Charleston is just a beautiful and charismatic city in the USA that exudes warmth and charm. Its southern hospitality and beauty make it one of the best places in the USA for solo travelers.
Start by taking a walking tour. Most tours are free except for a gratuity at the end. Learn about the history of Charleston and discover many hidden gems and not to miss spots.
The historic Charleston City Market is a must-see. Local artisans sell unique one-of-a-kind goods, such as Gullah sweetgrass baskets that are handmade in the low country. You’ll also find delicious eateries and retail shops.
Other fun things to do in Charleston include walking/cycling over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. You will see some incredible views of the harbor and downtown district.
Waterfront Park, which includes the infamous Pineapple fountain is such a delight. The waterfront views on one side and the beautiful homes on the other side, make it a very enjoyable.
New York, NY
The best time to go to New York City is now. It’s always in season to go to New York and there are always plenty of things to see and do. New York is the best place for solo travelers to discover world-class restaurants or try slices of some of the absolute best pizza ever. There are fancy upscale eateries and simple inexpensive choices as well.
Culture and history are abundant throughout the city. With thirty-two museums and thirty-nine libraries to get lost in, one can easily days soaking it all in.
There are pubs, nightclubs, lounges, and some pretty amazing rooftop bars to discover.
Wherever you are in NYC, there is always something interesting to see or do very close by.
Your Essential Guide to New York City will help plan your trip.
Boston, Massachusetts
Located just off the coast in Northern New England, Boston is a charming city that is an amazing place for solo travelers in the United States. This pristine city with warm welcoming people will instantly become one of your favorite destinations.
Rich with culture, The Freedom Trail is one of Boston’s best experiences. Take some time to stroll down the brick path beginning at Boston Common and ending at Bunker Hill. You will be mesmerized by the significant sites that tell the story of the American Revolution.
Be sure to head on over to the North End for some of the best Italian food you will ever have. No trip to this small Italian-American neighborhood is complete without a stop at Mike’s Pastry for one or five of their famous cannoli.
Other fun things to do in Boston include heading to Fenway Park for a Red Sox game, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Public Garden, and Quincy Market.
Seattle, Washington
Known to many as the Emerald City because of its lush evergreen surroundings, Seattle is truly one of the best places in the USA for solo travelers. Encompassed by water, mountains, and forest, Seattle is a beautiful place to explore.
Overlooking beautiful Puget Sound, Pikes Place Market is not to be missed. From the iconic market sign to the original Starbucks, you will find artisans, street performers, and fish tossing to round out your visit.
The infamous Space Needle built for the 1962 World’s Fair is another must-see that offers incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainier. Another fun thing to do is Chihuly Garden and Glass which features the amazing glasswork of Dale Chihuly. Catch a live glass blowing demo and grab a glass of wine while strolling through the beautiful gardens.
Make sure you get out and explore the simply breathtaking natural scenery that is all around. Hop on a ferry or go for a hike. You’ll be glad you did.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, hands down, is by far one of the 11 best places in the USA for solo travel. This beautiful city is beautiful, diverse, and full of opportunities for fun.
Take a ride over the Golden Gate Bridge, head down to Fisherman’s Wharf, and make a point to take the ferry to Alcatraz.
Go on a food tour and sample some of the bay area’s delicious treats and see part of the city as well. Chinatown is enormously large and is extremely popular.
No trip to San Francisco is complete without seeing crooked Lombard Street and seeing the Full House house.
Yosemite National Park
Fall in love with the beauty of Yosemite just as Ansel Adams did.
The Ansel Adams Gallery is located in the park and is a great way to see the sheer magnificence through his eyes.
It’s easy to get lost in the wonder of Yosemite as you enjoy the beauty of the giant sequoias, Half Dome and Glacier Point. Other famous stops are Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, and Tunnel View, just to name a few.
Yosemite has many options for climbing whether you are just starting out or if you are experienced. This is an amazing place to be one with nature as you hike, bike, and explore all this glorious park has to offer.
San Antonio, Texas
Commonly known as the most religious city in the United States, San Antonio is rich in strong religious history.
Take a stroll on the Mission Trails hike and bike system and you can visit San Antonio’s five Spanish colonial missions. The Alamo, originally Mission San Antonio de Valero, became the site of one of the most famous battles in the history of Texas.
Historic Market Square is the place to go for all things Mexican and Tex-Mex. It has wonderful food, authentic jewelry, pinatas, and the area comes alive on the weekends with awesome entertainment.
Another fun thing to do is to check out Bracken Cave which is home to the largest colony of bats in the United States.
Moab, Utah
You may have never heard of Moab, but I am sure you have seen it! It is a haven for hiking, biking, jeep tours, and river rafting. Moab is the entranceway to some of the most absolute breathtaking scenery you will ever lay eyes on.
Home to 2,000 soft red sandstone arches, Arches National Park is just absolutely stunning! The Delicate Arch is perhaps the most famous and photographed of them all, and is truly a sight.
No visit would be complete without watching the sunset at Dead Horse State Park or white water rafting down the Colorado River.
Canyonland’s Island in the Sky and Mesa Arch is must-see as well.
Here is a Pinterest-friendly pin…so you can save it on your travel board!
